Theatre

The University of Auckland Drama Programme Presents: The Birthday Girl

By Albert Belz, performed by UoA students. Taking refuge from the world, billionaire Eloise Bisou returns to Heitiki. But is she here to bless the town or burn it down?

$10 - $20 (Service fees may apply)
N/A
Cancelled
Thu 16 Sep, 8pm - 9:20pm
Fri 17 Sep, 8pm - 9:20pm
Sat 18 Sep, 2pm - 3:20pm
Cancelled

PLEASE NOTE: This show was originally scheduled for September 2021 and is now cancelled. If you had tickets to those dates we'll be in touch with you directly. Read more about the impact of Alert Level changes here.


A new play by Albert Belz, inspired by Friedrich Dürrenmatt's The Visit, performed by the students of Drama 202 and directed by Margaret-Mary Hollins.

Heitiki is just your average Kiwi seaside town, except its somehow managed to miss out on the housing boom, while its industry is on the verge of closure.  That is until one of its daughters, billionaire Eloise Bisou returns to take refuge from a world in upheaval.  But is she here to bless the town with her millions or burn it down for good?

Events of the past have stoked the fires of Eloise’s revenge.  Now, twenty-five years later she has her knife out for one man, but also the town that let her down.  And she’s got all the money in the world to fuel her revenge and sharpen her knife.

When she turns the whole town against him, Roget must rely on that instinctive sense of Kiwi fair-play and community to keep his hopes of survival intact.  But can anyone survive the blazing inferno of Eloise’s revenge?

Written by Albert Belz
Directed by Margaret-Mary Hollins
Production management and mentorship, Andrew Malmo

The University of Auckland Faculty of Arts and Drama programme gratefully acknowledge the generous support of Frances Allen and Ian Narev.

  • 18 April - 4 May 2024
    Theatre

    ScatterGun: After the Death of Rūaumoko

    ScatterGun weaves together poetry, movement and sound, with the voices of whānau from Tūhoe, in a celebration of the profound connection between the human body and te whenua ūkaipō (homeland).
  • Sun 28 April 2024
    Theatre

    ON MY SLEEVE

    ON MY SLEEVE is an ode to the hood, showcasing themes of HOOD, WOMEN, CULTURE, POWER & RECLAMATION through short vignettes.
  • 29 - 30 April 2024
    Theatre

    He Aha Te Hau

    Ngāti Whātua welcomes you on a theatrical journey of love, war, loss, and destiny through the eyes and mind of the eponymous ancestor, Apihai Te Kawau. 
  • 12 - 23 Jun 2024
    Comedy

    Guru of Chai

    Acclaimed as a work of genius. The contradictions of modern India, with its iPhones and ancient gods, come alive in this much-loved play from one of New Zealand’s finest performers.